Thank You

Again and again, we've been overwhelmed by the number of people offering to help our little man. We've been told so many times, that Dexter has just 'gotten into their hearts' and they just love him. He's that kind of boy. If you've helped Dexter in any way, thank you. Some many times... saying thank you just hasn't been enough. Read our 'Overwhelmed' blogpost to understand a little more.

Doing it for Dexter - November 2013 FundraiserMelissa Tierney organised this fundraiser. It was held at the Kiama Pavilion and about 175 people attended. $10,000 was raised on the night. It was a fantastic night and the money will be used to purchase:1. a sleepform mattress for Dexter, to ensure he remains in the correct position while sleeping. ($3666)2. a Christmas present - a secret until the day. (~$200)3. intensive therapy in Adelaide. (>$5000)Read more about the fundraiser here and see the fundraiser in photos here. Listen to Melissa sing to Dexter "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" here. Read more about Melissa here.

Lenice's Pampering day - August 2013Having a child with severe cerebral palsy is difficult. When he also has a vision impairment, it is a little more difficult. And, when that little boy also battles and beats cancer, all before he is two, life is very stressful and difficult. Sometimes, you just need a break. Melissa realised this and arranged a pampering day for Lenice. This day will remain a bright memory for years to come.

Thank you to Melissa Tierney for organising this day. Thank you to Nicole, for the babysitting. And, thank you to these local businesses:1. Jindaleespa Kiama - They gave Lenice a manicure and a pedicure. They gave her a facial and tinted her eyelashes. They gave her a glass of chilled bubbly, which she enjoyed as she relaxed.2. Tusta Hair -pampered Lenice for three hours. She was given a half head of foils and a trim. Her hair was styled and her face was made up.3. Classic Cars - Harry Mitchell drove up in a beautiful green 1959 Cadillac! The car had been brought to Australia from Las Vegas and Lenice and Andrew were the first people (in Kiama) to be driven around in it! He drove them to an from the restaurant.4. Chachis Restaurant - provided Lenice and Andrew with a delicious meal. They ate lamb shanks and gnocchi, with a bottle of red wine.And, we asked the Illawarra Mercury to publicly thank Melissa and the businesses throught their newspaper. With almost no notice, Greg photographed Lenice and Andrew and wrote a lovely article about the day. (Read more about the pampering day here. Read the Illawarra Mercury's article here.)

An Inspiration for Peace Fundraiser was held on the 31st August 2013.This was an intimate concert at Wollongong Town Hall and was organised by Jane Hardy. $1600 was raised for Dexter. This money was supposed to go towards therapy in Melbourne, but there was a communication problem and Dexter was 'left off' the email list, so missed this opportunity. Instead, the money has been put aside and will be used while Dexter is having his intensive therapy in Adelaide. It will cover the costs of transport to Adelaide, accommodation, food and transport while there. Thank you.

Dollars for Dexter - August 2012 FundraiserMichelle organised this fundraiser. It was held at the Kiama Golf Club. $60,000 was raised.These businesses, organisations, groups and people all helped me and my family. We have been stunned by the generosity and support shown by our families, friends and community. Thank you so very, very much. During my chemotherapy treatments, Dad could count the hours of leave he had in minutes! Knowing we had funds from the fundraiser meant we could worry about my cancer treatment and not about bills and money.My cancer treatment months were just awful. The love and support we received from our community was incredible, and something we will always cherish. Thank you.

The Emcees

Many thanks to Mick and Al for their fantastic emceeing at Dollars4Dexter.

A behind the scences tour valued at $4000... access to the Jockey room, weigh-ins and a race call, watch the "photo finish" being prepared.... and a $1000 betting voucher! Thank you!

Karl Boothroyd - Replica of the 1908 Gilbert football

This replica of the 1908 Gilbert football is signed by past world cup winning captains! It is leather and hand stitched. When first released, they were selling for $3000. It is number 19 out of a limited 100. It is valued at $2000! Thank you so much Karl Boothroyd!! (David Kirk, Nick Farr-Jones, Francois Pienaar, John Eales and Martin Johnson.)

Jimmy Storey

My Ulgundahi (forty three) 2010 Frances Belle ParkerMy Ulgundahi is a personal reflection on Ulgundahi Island, the island that my mother's family grew up on in the Clarence River in northern NSW. 43 shapes of the island have been placed to signify 43 years since the 1967 referendum. The work features both landscape and aerial views of the place I’m most familiar with, The Clarence River and Ulgundahi Island. The colours used are significant in that they are colours that evoke a particular emotion derived from this special place. The 43 islands featured become a peephole to what surrounds it, without these surrounds the island couldn’t survive, without this island, I wouldn’t be here. Thanks so much!!

Jenny Heathwood

Spring Creek Retreat

Minnamurra P.O. - Gainsborough

Thank you!ph (02) 4237 8600

A gorgeous children's table and chair set has been lovingly painted by Erica. The basic design is "Old MacDonald has a Farm", with most of the animals and some of the lyrics featuring around the set. Erica always includes the alphabet and all of the colours of the rainbow, so the table can also work as a learning tool. The table and chairs set is valued at $500.